Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations Local Development Document. Scoping Report (Addendum to Revised Local Development Framework Scoping Report, 2010)

Consultation Draft September 2013

Contents

Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1

Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment ................... 2

The Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations Local

Development Document .......................................................................................... 4

Stage A1: Identifying Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Sustainability

Objectives ................................................................................................................. 5

Stage A2: Develop Relevant Baseline Information................................................ 6

Stage A3: Identifying Key Sustainability Issues .................................................... 9

Stage A4: Developing the Sustainability Appraisal Framework Including

Objectives, Indicators and Targets ....................................................................... 10

Testing the Plan Objectives Against the Sustainability Objectives ................... 12

Stage A5: Consulting on the Scope of the Sustainability Appraisal ................. 13

Appendix 1: Table Documenting the Requirements of Other Plans and

Programmes ........................................................................................................... 14

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1. Introduction

1.1. This document is the Scoping Report for the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations Local Development Document (LDD). It documents Stage A in the SA process and addresses the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment as required under European Directive 2001/42/EC.

1.2. The Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report for the Core Strategy was

produced in 2005, before significant progress had been made on the transition to the Local Development Framework, and informed the development of Sustainability Objectives for the Core Strategy. Following changes to the Local Development Framework regulations; national policy guidance; the Stockton-on-Tees Local Development Scheme and the social, economic and environmental composition of the Borough; an updated document was produced in 2010. This revised Scoping Report was intended to inform the other emerging Development Plan Documents, however this did not include the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations LDD and it has been necessary to prepare an additional Scoping Report as an addendum to the updated Local Development Framework Scoping Report, in line with the guidance given in Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents, 2005 (ODPM).

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2. Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulatory Framework 2.1. Under the 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, Sustainability

Appraisals are required for all LDDs. The purpose of SAs is to help local planning authorities fulfil their obligations to the contribution of sustainable development in the preparation of their plans.

2.2. In addition, an SEA is required through The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations, 2004, which incorporate European Directive 2001/42. The purpose of an SEA is to consider the likely significant environmental effects of the plan or programme.

2.3. Provided the process is carried out as directed, the requirements of the SEA directive can be incorporated into the wider SA process, producing a combined SA and SEA document that satisfies the requirements of both within a single appraisal process, referred to in this document as the Sustainability Appraisal.

The Process

2.4. Sustainability Appraisals are an ongoing and informing process throughout the preparation of the Local Development Documents (LDDs). The Sustainability Appraisal will identify and report on the extent to which the implementation of the Local Plan will achieve environmental, economic and social objectives.

2.5. The SA process is broken into five stages that occur simultaneously with the production of the LDD and will be incorporated into the plan- making process as a way of improving the sustainability of the documents as they progress.

Figure 1: Stages of the Sustainability Appraisal

Stage A – Setting the context, establishing the baseline and deciding on scope

Stage B – Developing and refining options and assessing effects

Stage C – Preparing the SA report

Stage D – Consulting on the LDD and SA report

Stage E – Monitoring the significant effects of implementing the LDD

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The Purpose of this Document 2.6. This report represents Stage A in the SA process and records the process of

deciding on the scope and level of detail for the Sustainability Appraisal, including the Sustainability Appraisal Objectives, issues which need to be considered and the assessment methods to be used.

Pre-production Stage A: Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding on the scope

A1. Identify and review other relevant policies, plans and programmes and sustainable development objectives that will affect or influence the Document (Context Review). A2. Collect relevant social, environmental and economic baseline information and produce a characterisation of the Stockton-on-Tees Borough,

A3. Identify key sustainability issues for the Sustainability Appraisal to address. A4. Develop the SA framework, consisting of the sustainability objectives, indicators and targets. A5. Produce a Scoping Report (this report) and consult relevant authorities, the public and other key stakeholders on the scope of the appraisal and the key issues and possible options for solutions.

2.7. The Scoping Report is being published for consultation to ensure that the

process is comprehensive. The three statutory bodies (English Heritage, Natural England and the Environment Agency) and other organisations with social, economic and environmental responsibilities (see page 13) have been invited to comment on the scope and level of detail of the information to be included in the Sustainability Report and an updated Scoping Report will take into account the comments received. Although Sustainability Appraisal is a statutory requirement in the preparation of LDDs, neither the Scoping Report nor the Sustainability Report in themselves form part of these documents. The Sustainability Report will however be considered when determining the soundness of the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations LDD during examination.

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3. The Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations Local Development Document

3.1. The Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations LDD will

be a statutory document within the Local Plan, which is led by the Core Strategy. The Core Strategy sets out the Council’s overarching policies for how the Borough will develop up to 2026 and includes a criteria based policy for the determination of applications for new Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople sites and safeguards for the existing site at Bowesfield Lane (Policy CS9).

3.2. The Core Strategy also states that, to respond effectively and appropriately to any identified lack of suitable accommodation, and to meet the needs of Gypsies and Travellers, the Council will identify additional sites. This is to be carried out through the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations LDD.

3.3. The LDD will make provision for the accommodation of Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople within Stockton-on-Tees through the allocation of sites and will also set out policies and proposals relevant to the sites including detailed requirements for their development. The number of pitches to be allocated will be based on an identified need within the Borough

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4. Stage A1: Identifying Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Sustainability Objectives

4.1. During the preparation of the Local Development Documents, it is important

that there is consistency with other national, regional and local plans and programmes (see Appendix 1). The purpose of this is to identify any external objectives or issues which may influence the preparation of the LDDs and to determine whether any external policies may lead to cumulative effects and to address any inconsistencies and constraints that may apply.

4.2. The Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive requires an SEA to

identify:-

4.3. An extensive policy review was undertaken as part of the Scoping Stage for

the Local Development Framework and for the Core Strategy Review. The policy review within this document takes into account the previously identified plans and programmes and also ensures that the SA process takes into account any updated or new guidance published since 2011.

“The Plan’s “relationship with other plans and programmes” and “the environmental protection objectives, established at international [European] Community or national level, which are relevant to the plan…and the way those objectives and

any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation.” Annex 1 (a) (e)

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5. Stage A2: Develop Relevant Baseline Information. 5.1. Baseline information for the Borough has been collected to identify economic,

social and environmental issues. This baseline information will assist in the development of the Local Plan in three key areas; by providing a ‘snapshot’ of the Borough at the current time; using contextual indicators to identify key issues and problems that will need to be addressed by the Local Plan and providing the basis for predicting and monitoring the effects of the implementation of the Local Plan.

5.2. The Local Development Framework and Core Strategy Review Scoping Reports have provided baseline data sufficient to provide general information at a Borough level. This report, therefore, supplements the broad information provided within the earlier Scoping Reports with information that has a specific focus upon the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople site allocations.

5.3. Due to the transitory nature of Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling

Showpeople, detailed data is difficult to obtain and is mostly at national level. However, two accommodation needs assessments have been carried out that provide some local and sub-regional information. In 2009, a Tees Valley Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment (TVGTAA) was carried out and, in 2012, Stockton Borough Council carried out an update for Stockton-on-Tees Borough.

Gypsy and Traveller Population 5.4. In 2009, it was estimated that approximately 1320 individuals from the Gypsy

and Traveller community lived within 407 families/households with the Tees Valley area. The TVGTAA also found that 75% of the Gypsy and Traveller population were English Romany/Gypsy and the next largest group were Irish Travellers at 14% of the population. It was estimated that the number of Travelling Showpeople in the Tees Valley area is just 18 individuals, with none residing within Stockton Borough.

5.5. The biannual caravan count (CLG) found a total of 42 caravans within the

Borough in July 2012. 5.6. It is indicated that Gypsies and Travellers live in households with an average

of 3.3 people, which is above the average for the non-traveller population. Both the TVGTAA and 2012 update assume that there will be a 3% growth in households per annum.

5.7. The nature of Gypsy and Traveller communities and their high mobility makes

it difficult to determine the actual population and the TVGTAA acknowledged that the population estimate within the report was likely to be a significant underestimate.

Existing Accommodation 5.8. The 2012 Stockton GTAA Update found that the Borough has 42 permanent

Gypsy and Traveller Pitches. This figure includes 28 rented pitches on the Council owned Mount Pleasant site at Bowesfield Lane and 14 authorised

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pitches on 10 privately owned small sites, which are in various locations across the Borough.

5.9. The update also estimated that there were a total of 38 households in bricks and mortar accommodation. Although it is acknowledged that a large number of the population within housing remains hidden from official records.

5.10. Stockton Borough Council’s Authorities Monitoring Report for 2011-12 reported that during this period there was no enforcement action taken against unauthorised Gypsy and Traveller developments. Although it was also reported that the Council investigated 2 incidents of unauthorised encampments. This is a significant reduction from the 6 incidents reported for 2006 in the TVGTAA.

Accommodation Need 5.11. The TVGTAA identified a total need of 34 additional residential pitches for the

Borough for the period 2007 - 2026. This was broken down by time periods as follows:

• Additional residential need 2007 – 2012: 17 pitches

• Additional residential need 2012 – 2016: 7 pitches

• Additional residential need 2016 – 2021: 10 pitches

5.12. The 2012 Stockton Update identifies a requirement for 26 pitches over the 15 year period, 2012 - 2026, which is a reduction from the 34 pitches previously identified as the requirement over the 13 year period, 2007 – 2021.

Health and Education 5.13. Nationally, Gypsies and Travellers have poorer health than the general

population. The Tees Valley Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), 2011, stated that life expectancy for Gypsies and Travellers is 10 years less and infant mortality is 20 times higher than the national average and it is generally recognised that transience impacts significantly upon health and access to health services.

5.14. The JSNA also considered that Gypsies and Travellers living in a trailer in a

Council site or in a house are more likely to have a long-term illness than those on a private site or empty land. However, it is not clear whether the long term illness is a reason for settling on a Council site or in bricks and mortar housing as there is a lack of robust evidence of health outcomes for the Gypsy and Traveller population in Stockton.

5.15. The TVGTAA did identify households with particular health needs within the

housing needs survey.

Table 1: % households with family members with specific health requirements (TVGTAA, 2009)

Type of Condition

No one in household

One person in household

Two people in household

Three people in household

Mobility problems 91 8 1 -

Visual impairment 83 13 5 -

Hearing impairment

92 8 - -

Mental health problems

96 4 - -

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Learning disability 87 5 5 2

Communication problems

99 - - 1

5.16. Gypsy and Traveller communities also have lower levels of education than the

national average and less than 10% of Gypsy and Traveller children obtained five GCSEs at grades between A* and C (including maths and English) compared to the national average of 53%. The JSNA states that the average age for dropping out of full time education for Gypsy and Traveller children is 11-13 years old. Reasons for dropping out include family mobility, gender roles and expectations and views on age maturity.

5.17. The TVGTAA found that a total of 67 households interviewed within the study

area had school-age children with 84% of these households stating that the children regularly attended school. It was found that children were most likely to attend school if they lived on owner-occupied private sites, followed by households in bricks and mortar accommodation. Respondents on unauthorised encampments reported the lowest levels of regular attendance (40%) in comparison to other accommodation types; this is followed by socially rented sites, where 1 in 4 (25%) of households with school-aged children did not attend school regularly or receive home education (TVGTAA, 2009).

Employment and Social Deprivation 5.18. There is little data relating to social deprivation and the earnings of Gypsy and

Traveller households. The survey for the TVGTAA did ask questions relating to employment and it was found that, out of the sample of 85 respondents who volunteered information, 73 had self-employed family members and just 9 households had people who were employed by someone else (TVGTAA, 2009).

5.19. The study also found that, in terms of training for work, only 15% of the

sample had been on some form of training, either formal through the colleges or work or informal through friends, family and social networks. Only a small number of people reported that they had some vocational qualifications from educational bodies such as City and Guilds and CLAIT.

Social Inclusion 5.20. Gypsies and Travellers are a recognised ethnic minority within the UK, and

are legally protected from discrimination under the Race Relations Act. Nevertheless; cultural differences between Gypsy and Traveller and settled communities has resulted in tensions between the two groups. The Tees Valley JSNA reported that nearly two-thirds (63%) of young Travellers are bullied or attacked because of their ethnicity.

5.21. The TVGTAA asked respondents if they felt that they had ever experienced

harassment or discrimination in the Study Area because they were a Gypsy or a Traveller. A total of 37% of respondents thought that they had.

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6. Stage A3: Identifying Key Sustainability Issues 6.1. The Local Development Framework SA Scoping Report identified key

economic, social and environmental issues at the Borough level. These, more general, sustainability issues are equally relevant to the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations LDD and will be considered throughout the Sustainability Appraisal process. The issues highlighted below are in addition to those previously identified within the LDF Scoping Report and arise from the review of relevant plans and programmes and baseline information of specific relevance to the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations LDD.

Insufficient Accommodation 6.2. Baseline information has identified a need for permanent residential

accommodation within the Borough and it is important for the LDD to identify sufficient pitches to meet this identified need. The allocated sites should be of an acceptable size and have potential to be designed to adequately meet the needs of residents.

Poor Levels of Health, Education and Employment 6.3. Low educational achievement is a significant issue for the Gypsy and

Traveller community and can contribute further to restricted access to health services and employment. The TVGTAA has found that school attendance is greater amongst children on owner-occupied sites and at its worst amongst children on unauthorised encampments. The provision of suitable permanent pitches within the Borough is key to improving education levels and access to health care.

6.4. There is also a need to carefully consider the location of the proposed

allocations to ensure that the sites are sustainable and that services and facilities, in particular those relating to health and education, are easily accessible by modes of transport other than private vehicle. It is also necessary to ensure that the location of the sites does not have potential to further increase health issues through being located in unacceptably close proximity to incompatible uses, which could lead to high levels of noise, light or air pollution.

Community Integration 6.5. The cultural differences between Traveller and settled communities has

sometimes resulted in tensions between the two groups and it is important that allocated sites are located and designed to take into account the needs and legitimate concerns of both communities, in order to ensure compatibility with the local environment and to encourage community integration.

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7. Stage A4 – Developing the Sustainability Appraisal Framework Including Objectives, Indicators and Targets

7.1. The Sustainability Framework is a critical part of the assessment process and

provides a means of assessing and analysing the sustainability effects of the plan. The Framework includes a combination of objectives, indicators and targets against which the documents making up the Local Plan will be measured.

Sustainability Objectives

7.2. The Sustainability Objectives are distinct from the Local Development

Document’s Objectives, although overlapping in places.

7.3. The Sustainability Objectives were developed from the Integrated Regional Framework (IRF) produced by Sustaine. The first IRF was published in 2004 and, following a number of national and regional policy developments, it has been reviewed, refreshed and strengthened, and the updated version was published by Sustaine in April 2008.

7.4. The key developments from the previous Integrated Regional Framework in

this revision are: a reduced number of overarching objectives, with a revised set of regional indicators; closer alignment with existing regional strategies through a common evidence base; priority actions identified each of the objectives; and an updated and strengthened sustainability appraisal tool.

7.5. The Integrated Regional Framework Objectives have been modified and progressed so that they apply to the Stockton Borough. There are clear links between the ten objectives and the key sustainability issues identified in the previous section.

7.6. The Sustainability Objectives are: SA Objective 1- Strengthening the Stockton Borough economy;

SA Objective 2- Adapting to and mitigating against climate change;

SA Objective 3- Living within environmental limits;

SA Objective 4- Developing a more sustainable employment market in the Stockton

Borough;

SA Objective 5- Establishing a strong learning and skills base for the Stockton

Borough;

SA Objective 6- Improving health and well being while reducing inequalities in

health;

SA Objective 7- Safeguarding and enhancing the Stockton Borough’s environmental

infrastructure;

SA Objective 8- Building sustainable communities in the Stockton Borough;

SA Objective 9- Developing sustainable transport and communication;

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SA Objective 10- Promoting, enhancing and respecting Stockton Borough’s culture

and heritage.

7.7. The Local Plan documents all have the potential to influence these objectives.

Indicators and Targets

7.8. Each of the Sustainability Objectives needs to be expressed using a measurable set of contextual indicators and targets. The Local Development Document will be measured against these indicators.

7.9. The revised LDF Scoping Report established a series of indicators for each Sustainability Appraisal Objective. These indicators are equally applicable to this LDD and are maintained as part of the SA Framework. Wherever possible the Council has aimed to use a series of existing indicators, which are measured on regular basis. Many of the indicators are already monitored by the Council over each financial year. Indicators taken from external agencies may not be monitored as regularly and therefore may need to be changed or redefined during the official consultation process.

7.10. These targets reflect local, regional and national targets. As the targets are taken from a wide range of sources the timescales for the targets vary from short, medium to longer term. Again, these targets may be revised following the consultation with key bodies.

Monitoring

7.11. A detailed monitoring scheme will be developed and included within the Sustainability Report for the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations LDD. This will involve the continued collection of baseline data according to the identified indicators and will ensure that the effectiveness and success of the Sustainability Appraisal process is monitored.

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8. Testing the Plan Objectives Against the Sustainability Objectives 8.1. Sustainability Appraisal Framework will be used at each stage in the

preparation of a Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations LDD to continually assess and monitor the sustainability performance.

8.2. The draft objectives of the LDD are expected to be as follows:

A – To allocate sufficient land to provide residential pitches that will meet the identified accommodation need for Gypsies and Travellers within the Borough. B – To identify sustainable sites to increase access to health, education and other services for Gypsies and Travellers. C – To deliver well designed sites that are safe and attractive places to live and that respect the residential amenities of the settled communities.

LD

D

Ob

jec

tiv

es Sustainability Objectives

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A - - ? - � � ? � - ?

B - � � - � � ? � � ?

C - - - - - � � � - �

Key

� Likely to be compatible

X Likely to be a conflict

? Possibility for conflict or compatibility

- No strong relationship

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9. Stage A5: Consulting on the Scope of the Sustainability Appraisal 9.1. In accordance with the requirements for Sustainability Appraisals and

Strategic Environmental Assessments the scope of the Sustainability Report will be consulted on for a period of at least five weeks. The three statutory bodies:

• English Heritage

• Environment Agency

• Natural England

will be consulted, along with other key stakeholders who may have a sustainability interest. The other key stakeholders who are also consulted are: Economic

• Tees Valley Unlimited

Social

• Hartlepool and Stockton Clinical Commissioning Group

• Sport England

• Homes and Communities Agency

Environmental

• Council for the Protection of Rural England

• Industry Nature Conservation Association

• Tees Archaeology

• Northumbrian Water

9.2. In addition to the information in this draft, the final Scoping Report will include feedback from the consultation exercise. In particular, comments are encouraged regarding the objectives, indicators, targets, the Sustainability Appraisal Framework and other plans and programmes.

9.3. The following stages of the Sustainability Appraisal will be an assessment of the sustainability effects of the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations LDD, where consideration will need to be given to the probability, duration (short, medium, long), frequency and reversibility of the effects, including secondary and synergistic effects.

9.4. All options aiming to meet the review’s objectives will be assessed against the Sustainability Objectives. The most sustainable development options will be identified and where possible taken forward into the next stage. A Sustainability Report will be produced alongside the Publication Draft stage of the LDD.

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Appendix 1: Table Documenting the Requirements of Other Plans and Programmes Other Relevant Plans, Programmes and Sustainability Objectives

Title Key Aims, Themes or Objectives

International 2002 Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development, United Nations.

A collective reasonability was assumed to advance and strengthen the interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development. Poverty eradication; changing consumption and production patterns and protecting and managing the natural resource base for economic and social development were recognised as essential requirements.

International Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climatic Change,1991/1997, United Nations

The Kyoto Protocol was adopted at the 3rd Conference of the Parties to the UNFCC in 1997. The protocol commits parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydroflurocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluroide) by 5% of 1990 levels by 2008-12. The UK has an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% below 1990 levels by 2008-2012 and a national goal to a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 1990 levels by 2010.

International Conservation of Wild Birds 79/409/EEC This European Council Directive covers the conservation and management of wild birds in Europe. It sets broad objectives, leaving the mechanisms for delivery to each member state. The objectives include the identification and classification of Special Protection Areas (SPAs), the protection of wetlands of international importance, the establishment of a scheme of protection for wild birds and the maintenance of the favourable conservation status of wild bird species.

International 1979, Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, United Nations

The Bern Convention was adopted in September 1979 and aims to ensure the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats through cooperation between states. Signatory states should promote policy to ensure the conservation of wild flora, fauna and natural habitats. Integrate conservation into planning, development and environmental policies and encourage education on and the spread of information about the importance of conserving wild flora, fauna and their habitats. .

International 1971, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance

The convention aims to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands, particularly as a habitat for waterfowl, through international cooperation. A key element of the convention is the List of Wetlands of International Importance. The list contains 1675 sites covering 151 million hectares, which are offered special protection as Ramsar Sites. Sites are selected to this list based on their importance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology and particularly their significance as a bird habitat. Study of fresh water bodies in terms of plant and animal biology and chemistry and physical properties.

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International 1979, Bonn Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species

The Convention aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. As a Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) Party, the UK should provide immediate protection, to species identified as endangered. It should also aim to conclude agreements for the conservation and management of species identified by the convention. The importance of research into migratory species is also highlighted as a fundamental principle for CMS Parties. The Convention lists species that it classes as endangered or classes as having unfavourable conservation status, based on reliable evidence.

International 1980, Groundwater Directive, EEC, 80/68/EEC The Directive prohibits direct or indirect discharge into groundwater of List I substances and limits discharges of List II substances so as to avoid pollution. The Directive is implemented by the Groundwater Regulation 1998 and Regulation 15 of the waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994.

International 2006, Groundwater Daughter Directive, EC, 2006/118/EC.

This Directive was adopted in December 2006 and is intended to protect groundwater against pollution and deterioration. The key provisions of the Directive include;

• Criteria for assessing the chemical status of groundwater

• The identification of significant upward trends in groundwater pollution

• Definition of starting points for reversing upwards trends

• Preventing and limiting indirect discharges of pollutants into groundwater. This Directive is the daughter Directive to the Water Framework Directive 200/60/EC.

International 1992, Conservation of Natural Habitats and Wild Fauna and Flora Directive, European Commission, 92/43/EC

Promote the maintenance of biodiversity by requiring Member States to take measures to maintain or restore natural habitats and wild species at a favourable conservation status, introducing robust protection for those habitats and species of European protection.

International

International Air Quality Framework Directive 96/62/EC

Directive 96/62/EC was adopted in September 1996 and sets out the European Air Quality Framework (EAQF). The directive looks at the effects of air pollution on health and the environment and looks at the sources, which are the main contributors to these effects. The main objectives of the EAQF are: • Maintain good air ambient quality and improve it in other cases • Communication of information on air quality to the European Community and to the public • Establishment of limit values for concentration of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter and lead in the ambient air. The directive and requires Member States to put systems in place whereby the quality of the ambient air is assessed, with respect to thirteen, previously unregulated air pollutants, based on common methods and criteria. The EAQF sets the timetable for the development of daughter directives on the pollutants.

International

Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC The ‘Water Framework Directive’ (WFD) – came into force in December 2000 and EU Member States were required to transpose the Directive into domestic law by December 2003. A framework for the protection of inland surface waters (rivers and lakes) transitional waters (estuaries), coastal waters and groundwaters. It ensures that all aquatic ecosystems, terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands meet ‘good status’ by 2015. To protect and improve the water environment, status objectives will be set for all water bodies. Surface water objectives will be based on ecological and

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chemical status, while groundwater objectives will be based on quantitative measures and chemical status. ‘Good ecological status’ will allow only slight deviation from the established reference condition for any particular parameter, where reference conditions = no impact from human activities.

International

Directive to promote electricity from renewable energy 2001/77/EC

The Directive prohibits direct or indirect discharge into groundwater of List I substances and limits discharges of List II substances so as to avoid pollution. The Directive is implemented by the Groundwater Regulation 1998 and Regulation 15 of the waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994.

International 2001, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive

Establishes the requirements for assessing plans and programmes that are likely to have significant effects on the natural environment. This sustainability appraisal is required to comply with the requirements of the SEA directive.

International

European Sustainable Development Strategy, EU, 2001

The European Sustainable Development Strategy (ESDS), A Sustainable Europe for a better World: A European Strategy for Sustainable Development was adopted in June 2001 by the European Council at Gothenburg. It was based on an earlier Communication from the European Commission issued in May 2001. The strategy argues that achieving sustainable development in practice requires that economic growth supports social progress and respects the environment, that social policy underpins economic performance and that environmental policy is cost effective. It also emphasises that ‘decoupling’ environmental degradation and resource consumption from economic and social development requires a major reorientation of public and private investment towards new, environmentally friendly technologies. The strategy focus is on the need to: • limit climate change and increase the use of clean energy; • address threats to public health (e.g. hazardous chemicals, food safety); • combat poverty and social exclusion; • deal with the economic and social implications of an aging society; • manage natural resources more responsibly (including biodiversity and waste generation); and • improve the transport system and land use management.

International

European Biodiversity Strategy, European Commission 1998

The EBS aims to anticipate, prevent and address the causes of significant reduction or loss of biodiversity at source. The strategy states that the scale of human impact on biodiversity has accelerated dramatically in recent decades and that, in spite of efforts by the Community and Member States to address the problem of biodiversity reduction or loss, existing measures are insufficient to reverse present trends. The EBS is developed around four major themes: • Conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity • Sharing of benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources • Research, identification, monitoring and exchange of information • Education, training and awareness The EBS emphasises the important role of spatial planning in the conservation and sustainable use

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of biodiversity. In addition to this strategy, several Biodiversity Action Plans (e.g. for natural resources, agriculture and fisheries) have been prepared by the European Commission.

International

EU Sixth Environmental Action Plan, 2001 The Sixth Environmental Action Programme (6EAP) – Environment 2010: Our Future, Our Choice – was published in 2002. The 6EAP effectively sets the environmental objectives and priorities that will be an integral part of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. The programme sets out the major priorities and objectives for environmental policy over the next five to ten years and details the measures to be taken. The 6EAP proposes five priority avenues of strategic action to help achieve environmental objectives: • Improve the implementation of existing legislation • Integrating environmental concerns into other policies • Encouraging the market to work for the environment • Empowering citizens and changing behaviour • Greening land use planning and management decisions The 6EAP focuses attention on four priority areas for action: • Tackling climate change • Nature and biodiversity – protecting a unique resource • Environment and health • Sustainable use of natural resources and management of wastes.

International European Landscape Convention 2007 The UK signed up to the European Landscape Convention (ELC) in 2006 and it became binding in March 2007. The aim of the ELC is to promote landscape protection, management and planning of European landscapes and to organise European co-operation on landscape issues. Measures to be undertaken include the establishment of landscape policies and the integration of landscape into regional and town planning policies.

International EU Climate and Energy Package 2009. The Package comprises of four main pieces of legislation that; strengthens the Emissions Trading System, sets binding national emissions limitation targets and binding national targets for renewable energy as well as providing a legal framework to promote the development and safe use of carbon capture technology.

International EU Covenant of Mayors The Covenant of Mayors is the mainstream European movement involving local and regional authorities, voluntarily committing to increase energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources on their territories. By their commitment, Covenant signatories aim to meet and exceed the European Union 20% CO2 reduction objective by 2020.

National National Planning Policy Framework 2012 Sets out the Government’s planning policies. And provides a framework for the production of Local Plans. Includes a presumption in favour of sustainable development and requires that economic gains are sought jointly alongside social and environmental gains. The presumption in favour of sustainable development requires that assessed needs should be met unless any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.

National Planning Policy for Traveller Sites 2012 Sets out the Government’s policy with regards to planning for the accommodation of Gypsies and

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Travellers. Identifies that pitch targets for Gypsies and Travellers and plot targets for Travelling Showpeople should be set by Local Planning Authorities and requires a five year supply of deliverable sites. Polices are required to ensure that traveller sites are sustainable economically, socially and environmentally.

National

Planning Policy Statement 10: Planning for Sustainable Waste Management (2005)

Sets out the Government’s policy to be taken into account by waste planning authorities and forms part of the national waste management plan for the UK. No specific targets but LDFs should consider the need to provide land for possible future waste management facilities of the right type, in the right place, at the right time. Policies should also ensure the design and layout of new development supports sustainable waste management.

National Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) The Act provides protection for specifically listed wild bird, animal and plant species and provides for the notification, protection and management of SSSI’s. The Act also requires authorities to maintain records for the clarification of public rights of way. The Act consolidates and amends legislation for the implementation of the Bern Convention and the European Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds.

National The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010.

This legislation updates and consolidates all amendments to European protected species legislation since 1994. This includes the Conservation (Natural Habitats&c) Regulations 1994 (as amended) which provided for the designation and protection of European sites and the protection of European protected species. The Regulations require the designation of sites as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and the maintenance of records of SACs and SPAs (Natura 2000 sites). The Regulations also provide for the control of operations potentially damaging to the integrity of European sites through a requirement for an appropriate assessment.

National Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW 2000)

The Act improves public access to the countryside and clarifies rights of way legislation. There are increased powers for the protection and management of SSSIs and strengthened protection for threatened species. The Act also includes measures for the better protection of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)

National Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

The modernisation and simplification of arrangements for the delivery of Government Policy in order to achieve a diverse natural environment and thriving rural communities. The Act led to the formation of Natural England and the establishment of the Commission for Rural Communities.

National

HM Government, “Securing the Future: delivering UK sustainable development strategy” March 2005

Sustainable developments aims to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations: -Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 12.5% below 1990 levels, 20% reduction in C02 below 1990 levels by 2010 and 60% by 2050. -Waste - At least 25% of household waste to be recycled or com posted by 2005/6 and more by 2008 - Increase use of public transport by 12% by 2010 (from 2000) -Raising average energy efficiency of homes by 1/5 by 2010 (from 2000).

National DECC 2009 – UK Low Carbon Transition Plan The plan aims to move the UK to permanent low carbon status and sets out actions needed to

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meet carbon reduction targets. It shows how reductions in the power sector and heavy industry; transport; homes and communities; workplaces and jobs; and farming, land and waste sectors could enable carbon budgets to 2022 to be met.

National UK Renewable Energy Strategy, DECC 2009. The RES sets out how the UK will meet the EU target of ensuring 15% of energy comes from renewable sources by 2020.

National

Department for Transport, 2004, The Future of Transport: a network for 2030

Extending mobility is important for social equality but comes at a cost financially, socially or environmentally. Need to balance access and mobility benefits whilst minimising the impact on others and the environment now and in the future. The underlying objective of the strategy is to balance the need to travel with the need to improve quality of life. Key targets in the strategy include: • enhanced road networks with more capacity, better management and use of new technology; • railways with improved efficiency, performance and structure; • enhanced local travel through more reliable bus services, use of school travel plans and improved quality of local environment; and • Sustainable freight transport.

National DETR, 2000, Government Urban White Paper: Our Towns and Cities, delivering an urban renaissance

The vision outlined in this White Paper is of Towns, cities and suburbs which offer a high quality of life and opportunity for all, not just a few. It aims for better community involvement, attractive and well kept towns and cities which make a practical to live in an environmentally friendly way. Towns and cities should create and share prosperity.

National DETR, 2000, Rural White Paper – Our Countryside the Future: A Fair Deal for Rural England

This White Paper offers the vision which of a working and vibrant countryside which offers its thriving communities access to high quality public services while protecting its environment. It highlights the need to-

• Increase rural affordable homes provision with a target of 3000 new affordable homes in small settlements every year

• Improve transport and rejuvenate market towns

• Adapt traditional industries and improve tourism

• Protect the countryside and give communities a voice.

National DTI, 2003, Energy White Paper, ‘Our Energy Future – Creating a Low Carbon Economy’

The Governments energy policy, aiming to improve energy generation to meet new challenges particularly the challenge of climate change. It aims to improve the reliability, productivity and efficiency of energy supply and to cut carbon emissions by 60% by 2050 as recommended by RCEP with real progress by 2020.

National DTI, 2007, ‘Meeting the Energy Challenge’ A White Paper on Energy

Sets out the Government’s international and domestic energy strategy to address the long-term energy challenges and deliver energy policy Goals. • Cut the UK’s carbon emissions to 60% by 2050 with real progress by 2020; • Maintain the reliability of energy supplies; • Ensure that every home is adequately and affordable heated; • Save energy; and • Develop cleaner energy supplies.

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National The Energy Act 2008. The Act implements the legislative elements of Energy White Paper 2007 (outlined above)

National The Climate Change Act 2008. The Climate Change Act gives powers to introduce measures to achieve a range of greenhouse

gas reduction targets and ensures that the net UK carbon account for all six Kyoto greenhouse gases for the year 2050 is at least 80% lower than the 1990 baseline

National

Environment Agency, 2001, Water Resources for the Future – a Strategy for England and Wales. Annual Review 2004

Recognises the importance of managing water resources and making environmental improvements. Its main strategic aims are to-

• Work toward environmental improvements;

• Improve the reliability of water supply and enhance supply by 5 percent over the next 25 years;

• Improve the efficiency of water use in the home;

• agriculture, commerce and industry;

• Fit water meters and improve leakage control. National Circular 03/99. Planning Requirement in Respect

of the Use of Non-Mains Sewerage Incorporating Septic Tanks in New Developments.

The Circular provides guidance on the exercising of planning controls on non-mains sewerage and associated sewage disposal aspects of new developments. The Circular is intended to prevent environmental, amenity and public health problems that may arise from the inappropriate use of non-mains sewage systems.

National

DEFRA, 2000, Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (Volume 1)

Aims to improve the long-term air quality in the UK to achieve positive benefits for public health, quality of life and the environment. The strategy sets out the main pollutants in the UK and a timetable to meet European air quality targets for the protection of public health.

National

DEFRA, 2004, The First Soil Action Plan for England, 2004-2006

Recognises the importance of soil as a resource and the need for its use to be carefully managed through land use planning due to the possible damage caused by development. The Plan Contains 52 actions on issues regarding soil management on farms, to soils in the planning system, soils and biodiversity, contamination of soils and the role of soils in conserving cultural heritage and landscape.

National Environment Agency, 2004, Contaminated Land Report 11 (CLR11) Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination.

Provides a technical framework for dealing with land contamination, setting out a framework for risk management and providing technical detail and guidance on the process.

National

The Countryside Agency and Groundwork, The Countryside In and Around Towns: a vision for connecting town and country in the pursuit of sustainable development, 2005

“The countryside in and around towns can: be made readily accessible to most people; contribute to the health, wealth and well-being of urban and rural communities; underpin more sustainable living and strengthen biodiversity in both town and country.” Obstacles to be overcome include-

• fragmented land ownership

• poorly planned development and conflicting land use

• unofficial access causing vandalism etc

• land in semi derelict condition awaiting redevelopment

National

DfT, DCLG, Welsh Assembly, 2007, Manual for Streets

Provides technical guidance for lightly trafficked residential streets, although its principles can apply to high streets, showing how the design of residential streets can be enhanced, and how street design can reinforce local distinctiveness and identity. Sustainable development is encouraged

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through the connectivity of streets and the recognition of the need to design for the needs of pedestrians and cyclists rather than just vehicular traffic.

National

English Heritage, 2000, Power of Place Emphasises the importance of the historic environment in terms of economic regeneration and social perspective i.e. education, participation. Recommends 18 priorities for action.

National English Heritage, 2001, A Force for our Future Recognises the importance of the Historic Environment in terms of education, attractive urban areas, prosperous and sustainable countryside, economic prosperity including regeneration and tourism.

National Department of the Environment Circular 2/93 Annex D “Rights of Way and Development”.

Protecting rights of ways and accommodating them in new developments

National Rights of Way Improvement Plans: Statutory Guidance to Local Highways Authorities in England (issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, November 2002).

Provides guidance for local highway authorities on preparing, publishing and rewriting rights of way improvement plans.

National Working with the Grain of Nature – a Biodiversity Strategy for England DEFRA 2002

The Strategy seeks to ensure biodiversity considerations become embedded in all main sectors of public policy and sets out a programme to make the changes necessary to conserve, enhance and work with the grain of nature and ecosystems rather than against them.

National Circular (06/2005) Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – statutory obligations and their impact within the planning system,

The Circular aims to set out administrative guidance on the application of planning and nature conservation law. It includes advice on legislation covering Internationally and Nationally designated sites and other protected species and habitats and should be read in conjunction with PPS9.

National Planning for a Sustainable Future White paper (May 2007), DCLG.

This white paper sets out the role of the planning system in meeting the targets for the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases by: supporting the building of zero carbon homes and business premises that are low energy and produce lower carbon emissions; locating development to reduce the need to travel; making walking and cycling accessible, attractive and essential components of new developments; supporting integrated public transport.

National

Meeting the energy challenge a white paper on energy (May 2007)

The document set out the two long term energy challenges as: tackling climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions both within the UK and abroad; and ensuring secure clean and affordable energy as we are increasingly dependent on imported fuel.

National

Heritage protection for the 21st century (March

2007) The three key recommendations from this report were: to promote a new holistic approach towards the historic environment by creating a single designation regime that is simple and easy to understand; improve designation by involving the public in decisions about what is protected and how, and by making the process simpler and quicker; and support sustainable communities by putting the historic environment at the heart of an effective planning system and improve the heritage protection system by raising the profile of the historic environment, promoting a more joined-up approach, and increasing capacity at local level.

National Sport England Strategy 20012-2017 The strategy is a Youth and Community Strategy aimed at increasing the participation of 14-25 year old in sport . The Strategy proposes to achieve this aim through supporting competitive sport

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in schools, improving links between schools and community sports clubs, working with sports governing bodies and community and voluntary groups and investing in new and upgraded facilities.

National Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The aim of the Act is to improve the current regime for managing the risk of flooding and coastal erosion and to improve the sustainability of our water systems. It includes a requirement for the publication of a set of national standards for sustainable drainage systems and removes the automatic right for developments to connect to the surface water sewer system.

Regional

Integrated Regional Framework for the North East (Sustaine 2008)

The Integrated Regional Framework for the North East (IRF) is the overarching high-level policy framework for the region. The Vision of the IRF for the North East to be a region where present and future generations have a high quality of life. The IRF sets out 10 objectives that will enable the North East to move towards achieving its vision. The framework document sets out key indicators for each objective which include: GVA per head; domestic energy and water consumption; household waste production; employment rate; percentage of working age adults with no qualifications; life expectancy at birth; condition of SSSI’s; quality of housing stock; fear of crime; access to key services by households; and listed buildings and Scheduled Ancient monuments at risk.

Regional

Regional Economic Strategy (One North East, 2006)

This strategy sets out the framework for delivering the region’s economic aspirations. The scheme promotes economic growth and there are 6 objectives, set under three key themes of Business, People and Place: • specialist business support for encouraging resource efficiency; • a strong focus on the development and deployment of low carbon technology and renewable energy within the ‘Three Pillars’ work; • a strong focus on the delivery of the Energy White Paper 2003; • improve access to employment; • raise economic participation in deprived Communities; • promote equality and diversity. • ensure the incorporation of sustainable development principles and best practice in the planning, management and design processes of regeneration schemes; • concentrate on demand management and energy usage in transport schemes; and • promote, enhance and protect our natural, heritage and cultural assets. Key targets and indicators include: • increase productivity levels of existing and new businesses from 87% to 91- 92% of the national average; • increase employment rate from 68.5% to 73%; • create between 61,000 and 73,000 net new jobs; and • create between 18,500 and 22,000 new business.

Regional

North East Renewable Energy Strategy (North East Assembly, 2005)

The objectives of the strategy include to: • adopt and positively strive to achieve Government’s targets and aspirations for renewable energy; and

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• pioneer the development of heat only renewable energy, particularly using biomass, and continue to encourage growth in the use of solar technologies. Key targets and indicators: The strategy sets the target to achieve the Government’s targets and aspirations for renewable energy, namely 10% of regional consumption by 2010 and 20% by 2020. The strategy target for the Tees Valley area by 2010 is to have 138megawatts of renewable electricity capacity installed.

Regional

English Heritage, 2010, Heritage Counts – The State of the North East’s Historic Environment

The report identifies the current trends and challenges affecting the North East in particular. This document should be read in conjunction with the national Heritage Counts report. The report provides data on the Regions historic environment, for instance: Stockton has 8 Scheduled Ancient Monuments, 470 listed buildings, 2 Historic Parks and Gardens and 11 conservation areas. Regionally, 3% of the total national listed buildings are in the North East.

The North East has 6 of the country’s registered battlefields, 2 World Heritage Sites, 1383 Scheduled Monuments, 12,263 listed buildings and 53 registered historic parks and gardens. The region also has 296 conservation areas, 2 areas of outstanding natural beauty, comprising approximately 17% of the land cover of the region and 146.4 km of heritage coast.

Regional Quality Places for a Dynamic Region: North East The strategy sets out a number of housing strategy performance indicators which include, inter alia: • total number of long-term vacant dwellings within the region; • number of districts in the region with bottom quartile average house prices; • total number of affordable units developed as a proportion of all housing stock. • percent of social housing reaching the ‘Decent Homes’ standard; and • total number of housing units supplied to meet the priority needs of particular excluded groups.

Regional

North East Strategy for the Environment , 2008 Aims to promote an understanding that economic and social activity must take place within environmental limits and be based on sustainable principles. Its four themes are:

• Sustainable communities, environmental and cultural assets contribute toward better places to live and work;

• Making the best use of resources;

• Safe guarding environmental infrastructure;

• Meeting environmental objectives while delivering social and economic benefits.

Regional North East Climate Change Action Plan (Sustaine 2008)

The plan explains the climate change challenges for the North East and sets out both strategic and individual actions that can help the region meet the identified challenges.

Regional North East Climate Change Adaptation Study (Sustaine 2008)

The adaptation study is an assessment of the potential impacts of projected climate change upon the North East Region. It identifies key adaptation strategies for the region and identifies key responsibilities for the main stakeholders. The study identifies that the key responsibilities for local authorities are the inspection monitoring and maintenance of assets, the physical adaptation of buildings and infrastructure, resource planning and management and the long term influence of the planning system.

Regional Countryside Character Vol1: North East Region Mapping of landscape, wildlife and natural features to divide England into National Character

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Areas. Regional North East Regional Facilities Strategy 2008,

Sport England. The strategy is an assessment of sports facilities within the north east region and is intended to provide a tool for improving the quantity and quality of sports pitches within the north east. It identifies a need for more synthetic turf pitches, the refurbishment of existing stock and increased access to facilities in school grounds.

Regional Northumbria River Basin Management Plan (Environment Agency 2009)

Identifies the pressure on the water environment of the Northumbria River Basin and sets out actions to be taken to address these pressures. Identified actions for Local Authorities include promoting the wide scale use of sustainable drainage systems and taking into account the objectives of the plan within Local Development Documents.

Regional North Yorkshire Historic Landscape Characterisation (English Heritage, North Yorkshire County Council, Tees Archaeology, 2010)

The study seeks to identify and interpret the historic development of today's landscape. It places an emphasis on the contribution that past historic processes make to the character of the landscape as a whole, not just selected 'special sites' and can contribute to a wider landscape assessment. This will help to guide decisions on its future change and management and will be used to ensure that the landscape evolves in a way that leaves it as rich and diverse in the future.

Sub-Regional River Tees Catchment Flood Management Plan (Environment Agency 2009)

Considers the future scale and extant of flood in the Tees Valley and sets policies for managing flood risk within the River Tees catchment area. Policies include taking further action to reduce risk in areas of moderate to high flood risk.

Sub- Regional

Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit, 2001, Tees Valley Vision

Vision for major investment and regeneration. The 3 key themes include the creation of sustainable jobs, attractive places and confident communities. Vision aims that indices of employment, education, standard of living, life expectancy and deprivation meet the national average by 2020 through major investment.

Sub- Regional

Tees Valley Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (JBA Consulting, February 2007)

The Tees Valley Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) provides a proactive approach to flood risk by providing guidance and information on the nature of the flood risk in the Tees Valley, to inform the future allocation of development sites. Environment Agency Flood Maps show 2,700 properties in Stockton are at risk from a 1 in 100 year flooding event (i.e. 1% chance of flooding in any year) from the River Tees. Some of sites within the Greater North Shore Area are identified as being within Flood Zones 2 and 3.

Sub- Regional

Tees Valley Biodiversity Action Plan (Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, 1999)

The Local Biodiversity Actions Plans aim to meet the national targets by identifying where action is necessary. In the UK since 1900, 100 species have been lost including 7% dragonflies, 5% butterflies and over 2% of fish and mammals. Estimated between 5 and 25 million species on the planet. UK Steering Group report listed 37 different broad habitat types, of these 19 occur in the Tees Valley area.

Sub- Regional

Tees Valley Green Infrastructure Strategy (Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit, 2008)

The Tees Valley Green Infrastructure Strategy aims to: • provide a strategic context for the sustainable planning and management of existing and proposed green space within the Tees Valley. There are no specific targets as the Strategy intends to complement other programmes and strategies. However, the Strategy proposes the following relevant guidelines in respect of planning and development:

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• proposals should promote social and economic regeneration through the creation of high quality open space, green space and landscaping; • green infrastructure should be fundamental to the planning of major new development and redevelopment schemes, and should help to integrate development with surrounding townscape and landscape, and with adjoining communities; • proposals should be designed to high standards of quality and sustainability to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits.

Sub- Regional

Stockton- Middlesbrough Initiative; Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Middlesbrough Borough Council

The overall aim of the Stockton Middlesbrough Initiative is to create and develop a new city region within the Tees Valley that will: • be more competitive than Middlesbrough and Stockton acting separately; and • aim to perform at the national average rate of economic performance within a 20 year period and deliver a city region as competitive as the best in the Northern Way. The development framework includes four key stages which are as follows: 1. expanding the urban centres; 2. creation of the blue-green heart; 3. connectivity and infrastructure; and 4. development. The SMI breaks down into the following focused development zones: Stockton East; Middlesbrough West; Portrack Riverside; Teescity Park; and South Riverside. The SMI framework includes a number of short, medium and long term infrastructure projects.

Sub- Regional

Tees Valley Strategic Housing Market Assessment, May 2012

The core outputs of this document are estimates of current dwellings in terms of size, type, condition, tenure; analysis of past and current housing market trends; estimate of future number of households; estimate of current number of households in housing need; estimate of future households that require affordable housing; estimate of future households requiring market housing; estimate of the size of affordable housing required; estimate of household groups who have particular housing requirements.

Sub- Regional

Tees Valley Living, Building Sustainable Communities in the Tees Valley

Components of the programme include analysis of evidence base data, designation of intervention areas, preparation of Master plans to build sustainable communities within which urban villages will evolve and a programme of housing market renewal. In 15 years Tees Valley living aims to achieve the following: • a series of attractive neighbourhoods with mixed communities; • net inward migration; • owner occupation at 70%; • affordable housing types that meet local aspirations; • crime, educational and health statistics match regional averages; and • all social-rented accommodation meets the “Decent Homes” standard.

Sub-Regional Tees Valley Climate Change Resilience Project. The project will provide a sub-regional assessment that takes into account cross-boundary climate change adaptation issues. It will gather existing evidence and generate new evidence of climate

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change and its effects within the sub-region in order to prioritise adaption options at Tees Valley level.

Local

Stockton-on-Tees Local Plan (Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, 1997)

The Local Plan sets out the Council’s policies and proposals for the development of the Borough. Many of the policies contained in the Local Plan will be included in the LDF. In the transitional period, the Secretary of State has saved the relevant Local Plan policies and these are the only extant parts of the plan. The main aims contained in the Local Plan are: • protecting and improving the environment • increasing opportunities for investment and employment • promoting urban regeneration • Securing adequate decent housing • Improving the perception of the borough as a place in which to live, work and visit • Maximise accessibility for all throughout the Borough.

Local

Stockton-on-Tees Local Plan Alteration Number One (Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, 2006)

Alteration Number One to the adopted Stockton Local Plan reflects major changes in national planning policy since the adoption of the Local Plan. Alteration Number One is particularly concerned with retail and flooding. In respect of retail the document states that retail and commerce continue to be one of the most dynamic sectors in the Borough. The aim of retail policy in Alteration Number One is to: • provide and maintain attractive and accessible shopping and town centre facilities to meet the needs of the local population; and • protect and enhance the vitality and viability of the functional roles that the hierarchy of centres within the Borough play towards provision of retailing. The retail policies in Alteration Number One were saved by the Secretary of State pending the adoption of replacement policy documents through the Local Development Framework from the 31

st March 2009.

Local Stockton on Tees Core Strategy Development Plan Document 2010

The Core Strategy sets out the overarching policies for the development and growth of the Borough over a 15 year period. The document contains the Council’s vision, objectives and spatial strategy and has policies on sustainable transport and travel, sustainable living, the economy, town centres the provision of community facilities, housing, the environment and planning obligations.

Local

Stockton-on-Tees Council Plan 2012-2015 The Council Plan sets out the Council’s ambitions and key priorities for delivering services. The Council’s performance is monitored through performance management structures which collate data that has been used to inform the baseline data for the Sustainability Appraisals.

Local

Stockton-on-Tees Local Transport Plan 2: 2011- 2016

The LTP aims to identify and implement local transport interventions that deliver against goals originally set out nationally by the DfT. These goals relate to:

• Reducing carbon emissions

• Supporting economic growth

• Promoting equality of opportunity

• Contributing to better safety, security and health

• Improving the quality of life.

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Local

Stockton Sustainable Community Strategy 2012- 2021

The vision for the Borough is set out as:

• Stockton-on-Tees driving Economic Renaissance at the heart of a vibrant Tees Valley city region.

• An enhanced quality of place, including renewed town centres and improved local neighbourhoods.

• Enhanced well being and achievement for local people. It seeks to deliver this vision by focusing on five core improvement themes of: economic regeneration and transport; environment and housing; safer communities; children and young people and healthier communities and adults. The key ambitions for 2021 are vibrant and successful Town Centres; a strong local economy with better jobs and improved employability; improved city-scale facilities across the Tees Valley; better use of the River Tees; and improved transport networks.

Local

Stockton-on-Tees Climate Change Action Plan 2009- 2020

Key aims of the Action Plan are: • To reduce greenhouse gas emission from within the Stockton Borough Council area through reducing energy use, better waste management, the use of sustainable transport and green procurement. • To raise awareness of the factors that cause climate change. • To involve communities and encourage them to take necessary actions to tackle climate change. • To provide a framework to adapt to the inevitable impacts from climate change. • To demonstrate the social, economic and environmental benefits of taking climate change actions. The main target of the Action Plan is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 21% below the 2005 level by 2020.

Local Stockton on Tees Sustainable Energy Action Plan The Action Plan has been completed as part of the Council’s commitment to the Covenant of Mayors and it sets out the Council intends to deliver at least a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, from the 2005 baseline, by 2020. The Action Plan also aims to raise awareness of climate change and to demonstrate the environmental, social and economic benefits of taking climate change actions.

Local

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Housing Strategy 2012- 2015

The Housing Strategy details the Council’s housing objectives, priorities and actions that will be undertaken to meet local housing need and aspiration. It also provides an overview of the local housing market and factors affecting it. The Housing Strategy is set around four key themes, which are as follows: 1. promote and sustain independence; 2. prevent homelessness; 3. meet the challenges of the housing market; and 4. promote sustainable communities.

Local Stockton on Tees Borough Council Sport and The Sport and Active Leisure Strategy aims to increase opportunities for participation in sport, to

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Active Leisure Strategy 2011 – 2014 support the delivery of performance level sport, and the development of a well structure workforce and voluntary sector, ensure the built and natural environments meet porting and active leisure needs and the aspirations of local communities and to raise the profile of sport and active leisure.

Local Stockton on Tees Borough Council Planning Policy Guidance 17 Local Needs Assessment

This is an assessment of local need and existing provision of open space, sport and recreation facilities. It provides an audit of the quality, value and distribution of existing provision, which is then used to set standards for the quality, quantity and proximity of open spaces and built facilities within the Borough.

Local Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy (May 2007)

The Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy has the following objectives: 1. ensure that the approach to historic pollution of land is rational, ordered and efficient; 2. ensure that the approach to historic pollution of land is proportionate to the seriousness of any actual or potential risk; 3. seek to ensure the most pressing and serious problems are located first; 4. ensure that resources are concentrated on investigating in areas where the authority is most likely to identify contaminated land; 5. ensure that the local authority efficiently identifies requirements for the detailed inspection of particular areas of land; 6. inform all stakeholders of any action to be taken in relation to contaminated land having regard to the communication strategy; 7. inform the Environment Agency of progress of the strategy implementation for the state of contaminated land report; and 8. encourage the re-use of previously developed land as a priority in consultation with other statutory bodies and potential developers by identifying potential sources of pollution and proposed remediation measures that would permit future beneficial use. Strategy identifies four priority categories of land: • PC1 = 68 sites (greatest priority) • PC2 = 1630 sites • PC3 = 204 sites • PC4 = 12 sites One target of the strategy is to complete initial inspection of all preliminary priority category two, three, four sites.

Local Stockton-on Tees Borough Council Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2008-2018

Outlines the issues affecting the use and management of the local rights of way network and the actions the Council will undertake or promote to improve this network over a ten-year period.

Local Stockton on Tees Borough Council Green Infrastructure Strategy

The purpose of the Green Infrastructure Strategy will be to promote the importance of the environment and to identify priorities for the future management and development of the Borough’s green infrastructure. The strategy will propose a hierarchy of green infrastructure corridors and grids that form a network across the Borough. Within this network will be three tiers of importance, identifying corridors of sub-regional, Borough wide and local significance and will set priorities for action based on this hierarchy.

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Local Stockton on Tees Borough Council Landscape Character Assessment.

This document provides an assessment of the landscape character of the rural and green wedge areas of the Borough, and provides guidelines for the future management of the landscape and potential conservation measures. The Study identifies 7 main character tracts incorporating a variety of character types.

Local Stockton on Tees Borough Council Heritage Strategy, 2011.

The strategy sets out the Council’s vision for, and future commitment to, heritage and is intended to provide a framework for the work of Council services, community groups and heritage agencies.

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